When it comes to brunch, my feelings about the occasion are simple: It should be enjoyed at any given opportunity. I would brunch every day if I could (preferably with a mimosa in hand). However, there is something quite lovely about keeping brunch as a treat, especially when it presents you with a reason to wear an outfit you love.
Deciding what to wear to brunch has a lot of variables. You want to look stylish, that's a given, but you also want to be comfortable, particularly if you're having a brunch of the bottomless variety. That said, because you'll spend most of your time sitting, you don't necessarily need to think about the practicality of your look. In fact, brunch might give you the chance to wear the more fanciful clothes, shoes and accessories in your wardrobe.
To illustrate the sheer scope of brunch outfit ideas out there, I've rounded up nine impressive ensembles that ensure you'll look the part for the most stylish meal of the day. Scroll below to see them and to shop any pieces you might need to re-create them for yourself.
1. LAYERS OF LINEN
Style Notes: Slouchy layers are always the right smart/casual silhouette, and we promise a shirt and wide-leg trousers will be just as comfortable as your joggers but 100% more polished.
Shop the look:
A very sophisticated take on the expensive colour trend.
This would look just as good with cargo trousers and slider sandals.
The elasticated waistband makes this look extra comfy.
2. FANCY HANDBAG + MINISKIRT
Style Notes: Chances are you'll be going home to rest after your brunch session, which means you needn't take a huge, practical bag with you. Instead, opt for your teeniest, fanciest arm candy.
Shop the look:
A gorgeous colour.
Dream bag.
White denim always looks so fresh.
3. KNITTED DRESS + FLIP FLOPS
Style Notes: Dresses are a great option for brunch, as they're roomy and comfortable. Choose a knitted style to make it feel as if you're wearing loungewear and add summer's comfiest shoe, the flip flop.
Shop the look:
Wear this with sandals now then with tan knee boots come autumn.
The ideal finishing touch to any look.
These are high on my wish list.
4. SHIRT + BIKE SHORTS
Style Notes: Leggings are a solid brunch option, particularly if you style them with a cool shirt as Jessica Torres did, but we think biker shorts make for a cool summertime alternative to ankle-grazing styles.
Shop the look:
This shirt comes in so many colours.
So comfortable.
Strappy sandals are my go-to for when I want to look chic.
5. INTERESTING LAYERS + STRAW TOTE
Style Notes: If you're prone to feeling the chill, even when sitting in a café or restaurant, wear clever layers instead of a coat or jacket. We promise you'll feel more fashionable.
Shop the look:
This shade of blue feels so classic.
This also works so well by itself for any event.
I’d love to own this tote.
6. WHITE SHIRT + JEANS
Style Notes: You can never go wrong with a white shirt and jeans—just be sure to tuck in that napkin to ensure you don't get stains on your Daz whites.
Shop the look:
Size up for a slouchier fit.
I'm obsessed with these jeans.
Such an elegant everyday bag.
7. MINIDRESS + SIMPLE ACCESSORIES
Style Notes: Give your minidresses a brunch spin with the addition of timeless and minimal accessories, just like Chrissy Ford did.
Shop the look:
This colour is everything.
Just so cool.
These would go with so many looks.
8. NICE TOP + DENIM SHORTS
Style Notes: We all know that jeans and a nice top is an outfit formula that works—update it for the warmer months by swapping out the full-length jeans for a pair of cute denim shorts.
Shop the look:
Layer this over a long-sleeve top on chiller days.
An easy, everyday short.
Comfy chic.
9. PRETTY DRESS + FLAT SANDALS
Style Notes: Don’t feel the need to save your best dresses for best. Give your prettiest frocks a brunchtime-spin with a pair of flat, tan sandals. They'll make your outfit look more effortless in an instant.
Shop the look:
The dreamiest brunch dress.
You can never wear too much pink.
A sandal that’ll look just as good with cropped jeans as it will with dresses.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)Timeless with a capital T.
-
I Just Created 5 Incredibly Chic Summer Outfits From Amazon for Under $190Cool looks for less.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
The Most Elegant Outfits Right Now All Have This Color in CommonIt's giving rich and beyond chic.
-
This Pant Style With Flip-Flops Creates the Chicest Combo We've Seen All SummerIf you're looking for a way to summerify your favorite fancy pants, this is it.
-
How to Style Your Basics So They Look Like The Row (But Cost $390 or Less)Prepare to bookmark every outfit.
-
The Euro-Casual Outfit Combo We're Suddenly Obsessed WithYou probably already own the essentials.
-
This Is the Skirt Fashion People Are Going to Be Wearing for the Next 3 MonthsHere's how to style yours.
